A fun thing to do? Establish an itinerary and visit these sandy beachs in Upstate. Make it a day trip to each of them
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Gather up the beach toys, sunscreen, umbrella and beach towels for a sunny day of swimming and sand at an Upstate beach.
Western New York
• Beaver Island State Park at the south end of Grand Island features a half-mile beach available for swimming as part of the 950-acre recreation site. There’s also a nature center, nature trails, playgrounds, picnic facilities, horseshoe pits, and disc golf.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/beaver-island-state-park
• Woodlawn Beach State Park borders Lake Erie and has a bathhouse, picnicking, nature trails, grilling, and vended food.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/woodlawn-beach-state-park
Central New York
• Sandy Island Beach State Park is a 17-mile beach hugging Lake Ontario from Oswego to Jefferson counties and including North Pond and South Pond. The park has a bathhouse and picnic sites. The site also offers pavilion rentals and a community room if you want to host a beach party.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/sandy-island-beach-state-park
• Verona Beach State Park is perched on Oneida Lake with a sandy beach, shaded picnic areas and 13 miles of varied hiking trails. Five pavilions and a community room are available for rent.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/verona-beach-state-park
• Green Lakes State Park offers two glacial, meromictic lakes surrounded by upland forest. There are also hiking trails and a golf course. The beach offers an all-terrain wheelchair to provide additional access, free to use on a first-come, first-served basis between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pavilion rental is available.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/green-lakes-state-park
• Delta Lake State Park has both a sandy beach and nature trails. Like Green Lakes, visitors can use the all-terrain wheelchairs for easier access. Pavilion rentals are also available.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/delta-lake-state-park
• Chenango Valley State Park offers a sandy beach, a splash playground, snack shop, hiking trails, and golf course. Shelter rentals are available.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/chenango-valley-state-park
• Selkirk Shores State Park borders both Lake Ontario and the Salmon River. The park includes a sandy beach, bathhouse, horseshoe pit, store, playground, volleyball court, softball field, and picnic area.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/selkirk-shores-state-park
Finger Lakes Region
• Fair Haven Beach State Park offers 1,500 feet of sandy beach on Lake Ontario, plus a bathhouse, snack shop, hiking trails, grills and picnic facilities. Shelters and pavilions are available for rent.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/fair-haven-beach-state-park
• Sodus Point has a sandy beach on Lake Ontario with free picnic pavilion, grills, playground, bathhouse and outside shower. Take time to walk the pier out to the lighthouse for some great views and a photo op.
www.waynecountytourism.com/directory-wc/listing/sodus-point-beach-park
• Sampson State Park boasts numerous activities beyond the sandy beach, including tennis, horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, playgrounds, and a scenic lake trail.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/sampson-state-park
Rochester Region
• Hamlin Beach State Park has six miles of hiking trails, playground, showers, picnic sites and shelter rentals.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/hamlin-beach-state-park
Thousand Islands Region
• Southwick Beach State Park provides picnicking, hiking trails, playing fields and nearby access to the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. Pavilions are available for rental.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/southwick-beach-state-park
• Westcott Beach State Park on Lake Ontario includes a variety of topography beyond its sandy beach, including meadows and woods. Westcott includes a playground, picnic facility, and hiking trails.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/westcott-beach-state-park
• Jacques Cartier State Park offers a sheltered bay swimming area, along with a large grassy area for recreation and picnics and a playground and pavilion for rent.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/jacques-cartier-state-park
• Point Au Roche State Park borders Lake Champlain with a protected sandy beach, picnic area, and space for volleyball and softball. Its Nature Center offers a variety of programs. Visitors can also hike the park’s trails through a variety of habitats, including marsh and shoreline.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/point-au-roche-state-park
• Higley Flow State Park on Raquette River has a small sandy beach, along with the Beaver Pond Nature Trail.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/higley-flow-state-park
• Wellesley Island State Park is well-known as a campground complex; however, its sandy beach is one of its nicest features. The park is home to a camp store, arcade, nine-hole golf course and trails, among its amenities. One pavilion is available for rent.
https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/wellesley-island-state-park
Before heading out to a beach site, check online to ensure the beach is open and a lifeguard is on duty. Most are open for swimming only if a lifeguard is on duty. Review the venue’s policies as you make plans. For example, you may not be able to bring your dog. Some beaches limit the use of portable radios and other amplification devices.
Most New York state parks charge a per-vehicle parking fee. If you purchase an Empire Pass, you can enjoy free season-long admission or lifelong admission for the lifetime pass. Many public libraries also have Empire Passes available for loan.
Plan to bring your own shade as any shady spots available are in high demand. Check the venue’s website and social media page for rules and for any updates on beach closings.